Heavy Equipment Operator​/General Laborer

Lincoln, NE - Heavy Equipment Operator:
Excavator / Backhoe Operator

General Excavating (GE) is an award‑winning contractor serving public and private owners throughout the state of Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wyoming. GE specializes in the construction of underground utilities, environmental remediation, excavation shoring, directional drilling, hydro‑excavation, and heavy civil including bridge and concrete structures.

GE is searching for a qualified Heavy Equipment Operator responsible for operating various excavation equipment as specified by supervisor. The qualified candidate works on construction projects in an equipment operator capacity, however, will also serve in a utility (laborer) capacity, as needed.

• Assist in the loading / unloading of equipment and supplies needed for daily work assignments and properly securing work area.
• Excavate trenches for and around new and existing utilities, observing safety rules, often with workers in trench.
• Check slopes using instruments such as lasers, grade rods or transit level.
• Ensure work is completed to specification by observing grade stakes, material levels, hand signals and other markers.
• Assist in aligning pipes during pipeline construction for water, storm and sanitary sewer.
• Grade and level trench bases, using tamping machine and hand tools.
• Connect pipes and seal joints using glue, cement, gaskets and / or flanges.
• Effectively complete excavation and related tasks such as back filling excavations and breaking concrete or rock using appropriate equipment.
• Cover pipes using equipment and shovels with earth material / aggregates.
• Perform daily inspection and ensure that machine is in safe, proper working order including fluid checks and proper lubrication.
• Report to foreman and shop when equipment needs maintenance and repair.
• Safely identify utilities in the trench/bore path.
• Work comfortably outdoors in all weather conditions (hot, cold, rain, snow, and sleet) and on uneven surfaces.
• Traverse and inspect all areas of jobsite.
• Coordinate work with crew members using hand signals to ensure safety.
• Excavate around utility lines with precision to avoid damage and ensure safety of personnel in trench.
• Place and remove trench boxes safely.
• Use physical strength, balance, hand‑eye coordination, and stamina necessary to complete jobs in various conditions and terrains.
• Lift and carry up to 100 pounds and push / or pull 50 pound loads at a time.
• Stand and walk up to eight hours per day, and climb multiple sets of stairs while carrying materials weighing between 40 and 60 pounds.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions of a job.

Two (2) years minimum related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence. Ability to effectively present information in one‑on‑one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.

Ability to add and subtract two‑digit numbers and to multiply and divide with 10’s and 100’s. Ability to perform these operations using units of American money and weight measurement, volume and distance.

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.

Must be knowledgeable in OSHA Regulation 29

CFR 1926 Subpart P. Certified Competent Person preferred. Valid driver’s license with clean driving record. CDL preferred.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential function of this job. Reasonable…